Persian > Rice

Tahdig with Dates and Walnuts Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon salt

Special equipment needed:
- Non-stick pot with a tight-fitting lid
- Large serving platter

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Rinse the rice several times in cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add the rice and salt. Stir well and reduce the heat to low.
3. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice cook for 20 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, mix the chopped dates and walnuts together.
5. In a non-stick pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
6. Once the oil is hot, add the date and walnut mixture to the pot and stir well.
7. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the cooked rice from the pot and place it on top of the date and walnut mixture in the non-stick pot.
8. Using the back of a spoon, press the rice down firmly to create a crust.
9. Cover the non-stick pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the tahdig cook for 30 minutes over low heat.
10. Once the tahdig is done, carefully invert the pot onto a large serving platter to release the tahdig.
11. Serve hot and enjoy!


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
Low heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 500
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 7g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with any neutral-flavored oil.
- Chopped dates and walnuts can be substituted with any dried fruit and nut combination.

Variations:
- Add saffron threads to the rice for a more fragrant and colorful tahdig.
- Substitute the dates and walnuts with cranberries and pistachios for a different flavor profile.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to rinse the rice several times to remove excess starch and prevent the rice from sticking together.
- Use a non-stick pot to prevent the tahdig from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Press the rice down firmly to create a crispy crust.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover tahdig in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the tahdig, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the tahdig on a large platter with fresh herbs and pomegranate seeds for a colorful and festive presentation.

Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro
- Pomegranate seeds

Pairings:
- Serve the tahdig with a side of yogurt or cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.

Suggested side dishes:
- Cucumber salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled chicken

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the tahdig sticks to the bottom of the pot, gently loosen it with a spatula or wooden spoon.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the rice and tahdig thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illnesses.

Food history:
- Tahdig is a traditional Persian dish that is typically served with rice and a crispy crust.

Flavor profiles:
- The tahdig with dates and walnuts has a sweet and nutty flavor profile.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the tahdig as a main dish or as a side dish with other Persian dishes.

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Region: Iranian

Taste: Savory, Sweet, Nutty, Tangy, Rich